Mr. Fortier's Bid For Mercy

Our Towns

Southington

November 16, 2004

Christopher Fortier, the former town historian who may have gambled away as much as $30,000 of the Southington Historical Society's funds, has applied for a special form of probation that would ultimately clear his record of the arrest. Mr. Fortier, who is 29, deserves a fresh start. But only if he agrees to make full restitution to the society.

Mr. Fortier could also be a good candidate for court-mandated counseling. He may be addicted to gambling; what else could explain why a well-known and respected member of the community would jeopardize his reputation and the public trust for a stake?

An audit of society finances from January 2002 through January 2004 determined that 103 checks totaling $29,582.60 were issued ``for unexplained reasons.'' Mr. Fortier was society president, then its treasurer, during that period. He has been charged with first-degree larceny and criminal attempt to commit first-degree larceny.

Confronted in February about the missing funds, Mr. Fortier sent an e-mail to the society's current president, Brian Donohue, explaining he had been making a ``ridiculous attempt'' to increase the group's funds. ``Simply put: I screwed up ... Whether in numerous trips to the casino or lottery tickets, I did everything I could to build our checking account. ... Historical society money was never spent on anything personal.''

It is unclear from Mr. Fortier's statement whether his regret stems from taking the money or from failing to win. As for its not having been spent on anything personal, he appears no different than a drug addict who steals to satisfy a habit.

The money has not been recovered. Mr. Fortier, meanwhile, is still reported to be unemployed and has made no restitution for the funds, according to a society official.

Before getting the court's mercy, Mr. Fortier must fully acknowledge his wrong and demonstrate a sincere intent to correct it.